Our client, a leading Canadian infrastructure organization, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Vice President, Risk (Chief Risk Officer) to join its Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer, with a functional reporting relationship to the Audit Committee of the Board, the VP Risk will provide enterprise-wide leadership across risk management, internal audit, governance, compliance, and internal controls.

The VP Risk will play a pivotal role in ensuring that risk management practices, governance processes, and control frameworks evolve in step with the organization’s strategic priorities. This position offers a unique opportunity for an experienced executive to modernize and elevate enterprise risk capabilities while serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of enterprise risk management within a critical infrastructure organization where strong governance, operational resilience, and long-term stewardship are central to success. The VP Risk will have the platform to influence strategic decision-making, strengthen enterprise-wide risk capabilities, and help ensure the organization remains resilient in an increasingly complex business environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Enterprise Risk Management Develop and lead a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and risk appetite. Oversee enterprise-wide risk assessments and maintain a dynamic view of strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, technology, cybersecurity, and reputational risks. Partner with business leaders to identify, assess, and mitigate emerging risks while promoting accountability and risk ownership throughout the organization. Provide actionable risk insights and regular reporting to executive leadership and the Audit Committee.

Internal Audit Leadership

Lead the Internal Audit function, including the development and execution of a risk-based audit plan. Provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, compliance, and internal control processes. Oversee audits spanning operational, financial, technology, regulatory, and strategic domains. Ensure audit findings are translated into practical recommendations that strengthen performance, controls, and organizational effectiveness. Monitor management action plans and remediation efforts arising from audit activities.

Governance, Compliance & Internal Controls

Establish and oversee a robust internal control framework, including controls over financial reporting and key operational processes. Assess the effectiveness of controls designed to safeguard assets, support compliance requirements, and protect organizational integrity. Partner with Finance and business leaders to strengthen control environments and address identified gaps. Foster a culture of ethical conduct, accountability, and risk awareness across the enterprise.

Strategic Risk Advisory

Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on strategic and enterprise-wide risk matters. Participate in major business initiatives, transformation programs, technology investments, and operational improvement efforts to ensure risks are proactively identified and addressed. Provide guidance on risk, governance, resilience, and controls during periods of change and growth.

Board & Stakeholder Relations

Act as the primary liaison to the Audit Committee on enterprise risk, internal audit activities, governance, and control effectiveness. Prepare and deliver concise, insightful reporting to the Board and executive leadership team. Coordinate with external auditors and other assurance providers to maximize effectiveness and minimize duplication. Support governance and compliance requirements while strengthening overall organizational resilience.

Leadership & Capability Development

Lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit, and Internal Controls. Build organizational capability in risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring. Foster a culture of professionalism, independence, continuous improvement, and strategic thinking. Ensure methodologies, tools, and reporting frameworks remain aligned with leading practices.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will combine strong enterprise risk expertise with business judgment, strategic perspective, and the ability to influence at the highest levels of an organization.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise risk management, internal audit, governance, and compliance. Experience operating within complex, highly-regulated, asset-intensive, infrastructure, utility, transportation, or similar environments. Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline, with an advanced degree being considered an asset. Professional designation such as CPA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Deep understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks, internal audit standards, governance principles, and internal control frameworks. Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide risk assessments and risk-based audit programs. Proven ability to advise executive teams and Boards on complex risk and governance matters. Strong understanding of strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, technology, and cybersecurity risks. Ability to balance independent oversight with a collaborative, business-partnering approach. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and executive presence.

The Vice President, Risk role is a current existing vacancy. LHH Knightsbridge does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.